Wayne Rooney says he wasn’t given enough time to succeed at Birmingham City.
The former England striker was sacked today after just 15 games in charge, the last one being a 3-0 defeat at Leeds on New Year’s Day.
Check out our other stories here
Klopp praises Jota ahead of Salah absence
Sane hoping Germany can replicate 2006 achievements at Euro 2024
Ancelotti signs new Real Madrid deal
Rooney was brought in to replace John Eustace in October with the Blues then sixth in the Championship having made an impressive start to the season. He leaves with the club in 20th place, just two above the relegation zone.
In a statement, Rooney said: “I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club.
“Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be. However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.
“Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16. Now, I plan to take some tine with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.
“Finally, I wish Birmingham City and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”
Club statement: Wayne Rooney
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) January 2, 2024
News of Rooney’s dismissal began to circulate this morning and the club confirmed the news at 11am.
A club statement read: “Birmingham City has today parted company with manager, Wayne Rooney, and first-team coach Carl Robinson.
“Despite their best efforts, results have not met the expectations that were made clear at the outset. Therefore, the board feels that a change in management is in the best interests of the football club.
“The club’s board and management are fully aligned and will continue to drive transformation and take bold steps to rebuild Birmingham City into the organisation its fans and community deserve.
“The board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Wayne and Carl for all of their efforts.”
Chief executive officer Garry Cook added: “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s.
“Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.
“The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news.”
The move leaves Rooney’s coaching future in question. He did a decent job at Derby County under difficult circumstances before moving to DC United where he again showed signs of promise before quitting following the franchise’s failure to make the 2023 MLS play-offs.
Eustace will be among the leading candidates to replace Rooney although co-owner Tom Wagner may reprise his desire to see a big name in charge and look elsewhere.
The club’s professional development coach Steve Spooner will take charge on an interim basis.
